Tank survivability

[hockeyhead019]

Hey guys,

Just curious about everybody's opinions on what would survive a move better... a smaller system or a larger system? I.E. a 30/20 gal vs a 55+ gal. Obviously it'd be harder to move the bigger system but will the size help with the stability after the move? I would think so but I'm interested to hear what you guys think.

For arguments sake assume the same parameters and conditions for both tanks and say they're about a year old each.

Cheers

[~firefly~]

Purely on the basis of time (and not expertise), the smaller will be easier. Tank contents will spend less time out of the tank as you'll be able to set it back up quicker. That said, there is huge rish of parameter instability with a smaller tank move - although conversely, it's easier to "keep" some water back on the smaller. Hmmm...I'd argue the smaller is easy if you know what you're doing.

I moved a 120 litre tank fairly easily. I kept 40 litres of the water in water carriers to cushion the shock of all new water in one go. Didn't lose a single fish so worked well.

[hockeyhead019]

That's basically what I think this question will come down to... time to set up again vs parameter stability swing

[Cliff]

The bigger tank would be a lot harder to move.

I'm not to sure which would the best as far as stability of parameters would go

[sheamurai]

I think they would likely be the same, stability wise. Stability in your question is water parameters, and that would basically depend on how you handle your live rock. If it never got wet, there would be minimal die-off.

I'm thinking I would also be starting with a lot of new water, so that water would be perfect. I don't really see the link between moving a tank and stability of water, its not like moving water alters pH or depletes calcium...

I think success depends more on how well you move the live rock and how fast you can get the transit completed. Done well, I think any tank would move without any stability issue, size not even being a factor except that smaller would be easier and faster and therefor less stressful for the inhabitants.

[~firefly~]

My tank has more acidic and softer properties than that from the tap (due to substrate and wood choices) so be aware of this if you're refilling with 100% tap. Mine acidifies over time.

[Cliff]

+1 to sheamurai

I think stability becomes a issue depending on how you move the set-up. For example, if your rock is exposed to the air for a good amount of time, it will negatively effect your water quality. If you move your substrate, the same thing would also happen.

After moving a 200 lb tank last weekend, I guess I'm still a little too hunf up about that

[hockeyhead019]

Ok that's what I figured would be the responses... the better the set up and the more stability it has before the move the better it'll be during and after the move lol thanks everybody